JSU, Look out for...

TINO EDGECOMBE

Quarterback, Texas Southern

Tino Edgecombe's seen some rough times as Texas Southern's quarterback.

When he was thrown into the lineup as a true freshman, the Maroon Tigers finished with an 0-11 record in 2004. Things have slightly improved since then, with TSU finishing 1-10 in 2005 and 3-8 last year.

But now that Edgecombe is a senior, Texas Southern coach Steve Wilson said he expects more wins to follow.

"We're very happy with the development of Tino," Wilson said. "... We've seen him battle back and learn and now he has some weapons around him."

Texas Southern has started the season with an 0-2 record, but the Maroon Tigers have a passing offense that averages more than 300 yards per game.

"Most of the things we do will start and finish with (Edgecombe)," Wilson said. "We've been a running team in the past, but now we think we can be a little more balanced."

Last season, Edgecombe was in the middle of a breakout season before injuries sidelined him for most of four games - all losses - in the middle of the season. Even with the missed time, he finished the year with 1,292 passing yards and nine touchdowns.


3 Keys for Jackson State

NO. 1

RUN THAT FOOTBALL

Texas Southern has the worst rushing defense in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, giving up more than 213 yards on the ground per game. Jackson State can exploit that weakness with the combination of running backs Erik Haw and Lavarius Giles. The two combined for 156 rushing yards against Tennessee State.

NO. 2

GET PRESSURE ON THE QB

Texas Southern can throw the football, averaging more than 305 passing yards per game. But TSU quarterback Tino Edgecombe has been error-prone with one touchdown pass and four interceptions. A good push by JSU's defensive line could force Edgecombe into some bad decisions.

NO. 3

QUARTERBACK CONFIDENCE

So far this season, Jackson State has used both Jimmy Oliver and Tray Rutland at quarterback, but neither has had much success. Between bad throws by the two QBs and bad drops by the wide receivers, nothing has been in sync. A couple of good pass plays early could help the Tigers have a more balanced offense.

- David Brandt